Radio contract renewal time is always an exciting time for presenters and stations. It usually means big moves, introducing fresh talent and giving audiences more of what they want. However, with radio being such a cut-throat industry, it can also mean devastating loss for on-air talent. However, such is the nature of the radio beast.
Local television and radio personality Carol Ofori is one presenter who has had an extensive career on radio. From her early days on Rau Radio, Carol has become a seasoned broadcaster and has presented shows on major stations like 947, Metro FM, Radio 2000 and now East Coast Radio. Aside from commercial radio, Carol has also hosted shows on retail radio stations Jet FM and Edgars Music Radio.
As more radio shake-ups are expected in the days to come, Carol shares five lessons that she has learned during her two decades on air for those wanting to kick-start their career in radio.
Resilience Is Your Best Weapon
The radio industry is tough and it may not always seem fair but stand firm in your truth and in your talent. Do the work so that you put yourself in the right place at the right time to get your big break.
Open Yourself To Up Constructive Criticism
Radio people are so helpful that way. Ask for feedback and you will get it. Constructive criticism is so important in one’s journey because getting perspective from someone else is an important factor is working on your craft and getting better. It’s important to take on this criticism and not be a know it all. Even with 20 years in this business, I still enjoy getting tips and tricks from industry talent because it helps me do better.
Not Everybody Is Going To Like You – And That’s Okay
You may not be everyone’s cup of tea and it’s important to come to terms with that. Some people will not enjoy you on radio and they will make sure you know it. Unfortunately, this is part of the game and you have to be okay with this. It’s a bitter pill to swallow at times. What’s most important is that you need to like you – that’s all that really matters. When you resonate with that so will your audience. They will love you for being you
Stand Up For Yourself
Radio will teach you this real quick. You will be pushed into different directions by different people with different ideas of what they think you are capable of. When you are young in this business that happens a lot and you have to know what you want and how far you are willing to bend to get it. If it means you break, it’s better to walk away because bad decisions could mean that later opportunities will be few and far in between.
Wait Your Turn And Work Hard To Reach Your Goal
You have to believe that the wheel will turn and your turn will come. I started in this business more than 20 years ago and only over the past year have I found my sweet spot on East Coast Radio. I can finally say that I am living my dream. Of course, I have more dreams I want to see come true and I wanted to give up many times. I doubted myself on many occasions. But something in me always told me not to give up. Parallel to my radio career, I worked on my career as a voice over artist as well as a television presenter. The key is to keep as many balls in the air as possible while you chase your radio dream. That way, you have something else that helps pay the bills.
